Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hargreaves, James (1768-1845)
HARGREAVES, JAMES (1768–1845), Baptist minister, was born near Bacup, Lancashire, on 13 Nov. 1768. He was set to work when only seven years old. At thirteen his uncle, a publican, sent him to school for a few months, so that he might be useful in keeping his accounts. At eighteen he left his uncle's public-house. Before that time he had become interested in theological discussions, and was led to study the Bible. In 1791 he married, and soon after was induced by a clergyman named Ogden to begin preaching. He left the church of England in 1794 and joined the baptist society at Bacup, becoming a minister of that body, and exercising his calling at Bolton, Lancashire, from 1795 to 1798. In the latter year he removed to Ogden in the same county, where he remained until 1822. While at Ogden he successfully conducted a school, in addition to attending to his pastoral duties. He removed to Wild Street Chapel, London, in 1822, and to the baptist chapel at Waltham Abbey Cross, Essex, in 1828. He joined the Peace Society soon after its formation, and eventually became its secretary. His first publication seems to be 'The Great Physician and his Method of Cure,' &c., 1797. He afterwards wrote a great number of tracts, addresses, and sermons, and many contributions to baptist periodicals. His more important works were: 1. 'The Life and Memoir of the Rev. John Hirst of Bacup,' &c., Rochdale, 1816, 12mo. This is a valuable record of religious life in East Lancashire. 2. 'The Doctrine of Eternal Reprobation Disproved,' 1821, 12mo. 3. 'Essays and Letters on important Theological Subjects,' 1833, 8vo. He died at Waltham Abbey Cross on 16 Sept. 1845, aged 77.
[Newbigging's Forest of Rossendale, 1868,. p. 178.]